Northwest NEWS

July 15, 2002

Comprehensive Plan update available for public review and feedback

WOODINVILLE - Preserve Woodinville's unique Northwest woodland character. Retain a viable, vital commercial downtown. Expand recreational opportunities. These goals are among many that reflect the original community vision of the City of Woodinville as described in its first Comprehensive Plan.
For the past year the Community Development Department, the Planning Commission and citizen volunteers have been working to complete the required five-year Comprehensive Plan update, which is now available for public comment.
Citizens are encouraged to attend public open houses set for Wednesday, July 17, and Wednesday, Aug. 7, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
The Planning Commission will hold a Public Hearing on Sept. 4 at 7 p.m. All public meetings will be held at Woodinville City Hall, 17301 133rd Avenue NE.
"Comprehensive planning is the process by which community views and data are blended into a vision for the future direction the community desires," explains Carl Smith, City Planner. "The Comprehensive Plan is Woodinville's collection of data and policy to guide achieving the vision."
The Comprehensive Plan update features the following main revisions:
• A new environmental chapter, consolidating existing and new environmental information and policies.
• Updated land use information, including estimated capacity for additional housing, commercial development and jobs.
• Goals and policies throughout the Plan have been added or refined to best reflect Woodinville's future growth.
• Sub-area planning for the Industrial, Northwest Gateway, Grace, and Tourist District areas has been identified for future study. The Downtown and Little Bear Creek Corridor Master Plans are current sub-area planning projects that should be complete in late fall.
The Comprehensive Plan is the City's most basic source of information on existing conditions and a guide to future decisions. It's often referred to as a community's "vision" because it contains goals, policies and implementation measures the City has identified for obtaining desired future qualities for the City.
The Plan has chapters, called "Elements" on land use, housing, transportation, economic development, capital facilities, utilities, human services, community design, parks and the environment. Through these strategies for managing future change, growth and development, the Comprehensive Plan has a large influence on what happens in the city.
Most cities and counties within Washington are required to have comprehensive plans under the state's Growth Management Act (GMA). The GMA requires a major update of plans at regular intervals.
Copies of the draft updates are available at Woodinville City Hall, 17301 133rd Avenue NE, Woodinville; Kingsgate Library, 12315 NE 143rd Avenue, Kirkland; and Woodinville Library, 17105 Avondale Road, Woodinville. For more information, contact Carl Smith at (425) 489-2757, Ext. 2282.